Afra Alatas is Research Officer in the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
CONTRIBUTORS
Afra Alatas
Articles by Afra Alatas (5)
Islamisation in Malaysia Beyond UMNO and PAS
Norshahril Saat|Afra Alatas
This article explains why the study of Islamisation in Malaysia should move beyond UMNO and PAS. The focus should instead be on how revivalist ideology has both penetrated the state apparatus and been reinforced by developments in society.
Bon Odori in Malaysia: Dance-off between Revivalism and Multiculturalism
Faris Ridzuan|Afra Alatas
The controversy caused by warnings to Malaysia’s Muslims not to participate in a Japanese-inspired summer festival raises important questions about how Malaysia can sustain its multicultural character against the rising tide of Islamisation.
Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion
Afra Alatas|Faris Ridzuan
Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.
Between Religious Rituals and Safety Protocols in the Time of a Pandemic
Afra Alatas|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek
Religious leaders have an important role to play, in word and deed, to safeguard the physical and spiritual well-being of their flock during this pandemic.
Muslim Leaders and Preachers Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy: A Shot in the Arm
Afra Alatas
As Malaysia battles a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim leaders and preachers have been instrumental in fighting vaccine hesitancy among their followers.